Oak Grove Council Member Pushes for I-24 Safety Fixes

Formal complaints cite accidents, missed appointments, and animal strikes due to construction zone issues.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cinematic painting depicting a lone interstate highway sign partially obscured by shadows and bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight, conveying a sense of unease about the road conditions ahead.A somber painting captures the unsettling mood of an interstate construction zone, where safety concerns loom large for local residents.Oak Grove Today

Oak Grove City Council member Janet Edwards has formally contacted the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet regarding recurring traffic safety issues on Interstate 24, specifically the stretch between Exit 86 and the Kentucky-Tennessee border. The area, which is currently undergoing road construction, has been the site of several accidents, including one fatality. Edwards reported receiving 22 formal complaints from residents and visitors regarding the current driving conditions and overall safety in the construction zone.

Why it matters

This stretch of I-24 is a critical transportation artery connecting Kentucky and Tennessee, and the recurring safety issues are causing major disruptions for local residents and commuters. Addressing these problems is important for public safety as well as the economic vitality of the region.

The details

The formal complaints submitted to the state outline a range of severe disruptions, including a resident losing their employment due to tardiness and multiple missed medical appointments. Additionally, community members noted increased safety hazards on secondary roads, citing excessive speeding and two incidents where animals were struck by vehicles bypassing the interstate. Edwards submitted a list of recommendations gathered from community members intended to mitigate these risks, including increasing warning signs, adding police presence, implementing detours earlier, and restricting traffic on certain local roads.

  • The I-24 construction project is currently underway.

The players

Janet Edwards

An Oak Grove City Council member who has formally contacted the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet regarding traffic safety issues on Interstate 24.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

The state agency responsible for maintaining and improving Kentucky's transportation infrastructure, including Interstate 24.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The formal complaints submitted to the state outline a range of severe disruptions, including a resident losing their employment due to tardiness and multiple missed medical appointments.”

— Janet Edwards, Oak Grove City Council member

What’s next

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will review the formal complaints and recommendations from the Oak Grove City Council and determine what actions can be taken to improve safety and traffic flow in the I-24 construction zone.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining transportation infrastructure during major construction projects, and the importance of local officials advocating for the needs of their constituents to ensure public safety and minimize economic disruptions.